Using Carrier Oils

No matter what you’re using be it lotion, bath oil, body oil or even lip balm. It all starts with a carrier oil! A carrier oil is imperative in order to help carry essential oil into the skin. Carrier oils are also sometimes called base oils and they contribute their own therapeutic qualities to skincare products. Whether you are educating yourself about natural skincare products in general or planning on making your own DIY skincare products with essential oils, it is helpful to know as much as you can about carrier oils.

As with all things both essential oils and carrier oils have a shelf life and it’s important to be sure you know them. Your essential oils will oxidize over time and lose their beneficial qualities. Carrier oils will eventually go rancid and become unusable. Each carrier oil has its own unique character and which one you use will make a difference in it’s shelf life, aroma, color and therapeutic benefits for your final skincare products.

There are a variety of carrier oils to choose from, including coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, grape seed oil and hemp seed oil. Coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils because it has a long shelf life and easily penetrates skin. The molecules in coconut oil are very small which helps skin to readily absorb it. It is also well-known for being an excellent moisturizer and is believed to have other beneficial properties such as being antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.

We may be a bit biased but our favorite is hemp seed oil. Thanks to being rich in fatty acids, minerals and vitamins it’s an incredibly nourishing oil. Along with being a great moisturizer that keeps skin supple and youthful it can relieve other minor skin issues. It can also help with acne! It’s our top choice for making cosmetic grade products.

Do you have a favorite carrier oil? Are you planning on using a carrier oil to make a massage oil or skincare product? Share your opinion or DIY skincare recipe in the comments!